Local Government: Municipal Systems Amendment Bill: finalisation; Outstanding Petitions

Meeting report

Postponement of finalisation of Local Government: Municipal Systems Amendment Bill
The Chairperson greeted Members and explained that the meeting would begin by finalising the Local Government: Municipal Systems Amendment Bill, which they would examine clause by clause as well as adopt all outstanding petitions and minutes.

However, Members did not receive the latest version of the Bill with the amendments in due time.

The Chairperson asked Members how they would like to proceed as no one had a chance to read through the amendments prior to the meeting.

Mr H Hoosen (DA) was uncomfortable finalising the Bill without going through the latest version first especially as the Committee had not dealt with this content in some time. He was unable to compare the old Bill and the amendments and asked the Chairperson to grant the Committee more time. He suggested the Bill be finalised in the next meeting to ensure Members have had a chance to prepare.

Mr B Hadebe (ANC) asked why the Bill was only sent to Members at the start of the meeting.

The Chairperson called upon the Committee Secretary to explain herself.

The Secretary apologised to the Committee and stated that she thought that the Bill had been included in the documentation that was shared previously.

The Chairperson accepted the apology and stated that the Committee would deal with the Bill later in the week. However, the reality is that the Committee will be accused of delaying the legislation in terms of the approved timeline.

Mr Hadebe asked if the Committee Members were the only individuals who had not received the document.

The Chairperson reminded Members that they had previously received this document and that there were only two issues that needed to be dealt with before the Bill could be finalised.

Mr Hadebe proposed that if there was nothing new in the document, the Committee proceed and suggested changes can be read out verbally in order to ensure there was no delay in the process.

Mr Hoosen agreed with the sentiments expressed however, if the Committee is going to examine the Bill clause-by-clause, Members should have at least prepared themselves for the process.

The Chairperson agreed, and proposed that that on Friday, 23 October 2020, the Committee will meet for an hour to deal with the Local Government Municipal Systems Amendment Bill.

The rest of the meeting would be spent dealing with outstanding minutes and petitions.

Members agreed with the proposal.

Consideration and adoption of petitions and Committee minutes

The Chairperson asked that all Members have the necessary minutes and petitions opened in front of them.

Committee minutes dated 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 June, 3, 7, 10, 17, 29, 30, 31 July, 5, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27 August and 1, 2, 3 and 4 September 2020 were adopted.
Report of the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs on the Petition Relating to Allegations of Corruption and Mismanagement at Knysna Local Municipality, Western Cape
The Report was adopted
Report of the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs on Petition Pertaining to the Role of the Religious Community in the Covid-19 Crisis
The Report was adopted
Report of the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs on the Petition Relating to an Objection by Residents of Letsitele against Lack of Laws, By-Laws and Regulations Enforcement by Tzaneen Local Municipality
The Report was adopted
Report of the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs on the Petition Pertaining To Lack of Service Delivery in Ward 52, Under the City of Ethekwini
The Report was adopted

Meeting Adjourned.